The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the NEET UG 2026 notification and opened the online registration process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) – 2026. Aspiring medical and allied health science students can now apply through the official NEET portal at neet.nta.nic.in. This annual national-level entrance exam serves as the gateway for admissions into MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and other UG medical programmes across India.
With over 20 lakh applicants registering for NEET in recent years, this year’s notification once again marks the beginning of a competitive admission cycle.
NEET UG 2026 Key Dates and Timelines
The NTA has outlined a clear schedule for the NEET UG 2026 application and exam process. Candidates must adhere strictly to these deadlines as applications submitted after cut-off dates are not accepted.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 08 February 2026 |
| Online registration starts | 08 February 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 08 March 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Last date to pay fee | 08 March 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Application correction window | 10–12 March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | 03 May 2026 |
| Admit Card release | To be announced |
| Exam city intimation | To be announced |
| Result declaration | To be announced |
Exam Day Pattern: The NEET UG 2026 examination will be held in offline mode (pen-paper OMR) for a total duration of 3 hours (02:00 PM to 05:00 PM IST) on Sunday, 03 May 2026.
Application Fees (2026)
To complete registration, candidates must pay the applicable fee through online modes such as Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI before the deadline.
| Category | Fee (India exam centres) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs. 1,700 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | Rs. 1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | Rs. 1,000 |
All fees must be paid by 11:50 PM on March 8, 2026. Applications with incomplete fee payments will be deemed invalid.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The NEET UG 2026 exam is open to Indian nationals and foreign applicants who meet the prescribed eligibility norms. These include requirements related to educational qualification, minimum age, and other guidelines outlined by NTA and relevant regulatory bodies.
Basic Eligibility
Age Limit: Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026. Detailed eligibility, including subject combinations and qualification rules, are provided in the NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin published on the official website.
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
- Minimum qualifying percentage varies by category (refer to official bulletin).
Multiple Applications:
- Submission of more than one application by the same candidate is prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
Documents Required During Registration
Before filling the application, candidates should prepare the following essentials:
Identity & Personal
- Aadhaar Card (recommended)
- Valid photo ID (Passport/PAN/Other Government ID)
- Date of Birth proof
- Parent/Guardian details
Academic Records
- Class 10 certificate or birth certificate
- Class 12 marksheet or provisional certificate
Uploadable Files
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
Candidates should use accurate and legible documents to avoid errors during the verification stage.
How to NEET UG 2026 Apply
The NEET UG 2026 application process is fully online. No other mode of submission is accepted.
Step-by-Step NEET UG 2026 Registration
- Visit the official website: neet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on “Apply Online – NEET (UG) 2026” link.
- Complete New Registration by entering basic details like name, date of birth and contact information.
- Log in with credentials and fill in personal, academic, and exam details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, ID proof).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Verify all details carefully and submit the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Correction Window: If candidates make errors while entering details, a correction link will be available from March 10–12, 2026.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Structure
The NEET UG paper is comprised of 180 multiple-choice questions from three core subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect response
- 0 for unattempted questions
Candidates should prepare thoroughly across the syllabus domains, as the competition typically sees high scoring yet tightly clustered performances.
What’s Next After Application
After the registration and fee payment deadline, NTA will release the following (official dates to be notified separately):
- Exam City Intimation Slip – indicating city allocation
- Admit Card – available for download before the exam
- Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet – post-exam
- Final Answer Key and Results – expected within weeks of the exam
Candidates should regularly check neet.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in for official announcements.
Important Points Aspirants Must Note
- Only the online mode of application is accepted; no postal or offline submissions.
- Ensure all personal contact details are correct as official communication will be sent via email/SMS.
- Use a valid email ID and mobile number for login and future correspondence.
- Keep printouts of confirmation and fee receipts for counselling.
Helpdesk and Support
For any NEET UG 2026 application queries, candidates can reach out to the official NTA helpdesk:
[email protected]
011-40759000 / 011-69227700
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2026 notification release and the commencement of the online registration mark the official beginning of the medical entrance journey for thousands of aspirants across India. With competitive exam preparation and strict adherence to timelines and eligibility criteria, candidates now have a clear roadmap to submit their applications, prepare for the exam, and move one step closer to pursuing UG medical and allied health education. Aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals should plan strategically, avoid last-minute errors, and stay updated with official notifications from NTA.
What is NEET UG 2026?
NEET UG 2026 is the national-level medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses across India.
When did NEET UG 2026 registration start?
The registration process has started online after the official release of the notification. Candidates must apply through the official NEET portal.
What is the last date to apply for NEET UG 2026?
The last date to submit the NEET UG 2026 application form is March 8, 2026, up to the specified time mentioned in the notification.
What is the NEET UG 2026 exam date?
The NEET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on May 3, 2026 in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
What is the application fee for NEET 2026?
The application fee varies by category:
General: ₹1700
OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹1600
SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender: ₹1000
Fees for exam centres outside India are higher.
Where can I apply for NEET UG 2026?
Candidates can apply online only through the official NEET website: neet.nta.nic.in.
